Write a Free Verse Poem

Hello and welcome to VisiHow. In this series of videos, we're exploring poetry and how to write different forms of poetry. In this video, we're going to concentrate on free verse poetry. Free verse has no set meter, pattern or rhythm. There are no rules about structure and the writer is free to use any form or content that they choose. This can be typographical in their choice of fonts, text positioning, in content, and in punctuation. Free verse poetry attempts to capture meaning and convey images. It is attempting to show you what is happening but isn't trying to explicitly tell you what is happening. To do this nuances are revealed, similes and metaphors used, as is personification. With these ideas in mind we are now going to write a short free verse poem (and I have prepared one for you earlier).

Steps

1

As we can see from this popular example I have here, the form of the poem is determined by the writer's instincts and desires. A sense of play is conveyed, as are alternating emotions and pace, with the lines sometimes long and sometimes short. The use of punctuation and different font sizes serve to emphasize some words and aspects. The content is surreal, imbuing objects with powerful characteristics. Most importantly, there is a freedom to experiment and to act instinctively without the confines of other poetic styles. With free verse, it is possible to enter the trance like state of creativity and allow your subconscious to gush onto the page without restriction or self-restraint.

Now is your turn. Think about what we have discussed in this video and try to write your own free form poem. Remember that there is no correct way to do this so simply do what you feel is right, and write down the words that naturally come into your mind.

If you want to share your experimentations with us, then please do so in the section below. You can also ask any questions or if you have any suggestions for this video, you can give them to us in this section below. Also in that section, you will find links to the other videos in this series. You've been watching a video on how to write free form poetry. Good luck with your experiments - I look forward to reading them! You've been watching VisiHow. Goodbye!